Origin
Kearney, NE
Evening in Kearney on Sunday
Local time
6:42 PM
CDT
Current temp
77°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Kearney, NE to Holdrege, NE
Drive Time
39m
Distance
30.6 mi
49 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$5
one way
EV Charging
Loading...
station data
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
0h 36m
★
6 AM
0h 40m
8 AM
0h 46m
10 AM
0h 42m
12 PM
0h 41m
3 PM
0h 42m
5 PM
0h 46m
8 PM
0h 38m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Kearney, NE
Jean-Rene Chazottes
Holdrege, NE
Felix Schickel
Trip Overview
If you are planning a quick excursion through the Nebraska Great Plains, the 30.6-mile journey from Kearney to Holdrege is a straightforward trip that covers the distance in just 39 minutes. This short route is perfect for a day trip, allowing you to reach your destination without the need for an overnight stay. Expect to spend approximately $5 on fuel, making it a budget-friendly option for your travel plans. Navigating via N-44 and US Highway 6 & 34, you will stay entirely within the familiar landscapes of the state. Because the total drive time is under an hour, you have maximum flexibility to depart whenever it suits your schedule best. Whether you are running errands or heading out for a brief change of scenery, this efficient connection between the two towns offers a simple, no-fuss transit experience.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Break Rhythm
0 planned breaks
A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.
Midpoint
15.3 miles from Kearney, NE
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 20m into the drive .
Drive Character
This 39-minute transit offers a mixed driving experience, balancing local roads with regional highway travel. You will spend about 48% of your time on highways, providing a steady pace as you move across the Great Plains. The longest uninterrupted stretch you will encounter is a 10.9-mile segment on N-44, which allows for a consistent rhythm behind the wheel. Transitioning between N-44 and the combined US Highway 6 & 34 keeps the drive from feeling overly repetitive. Expect a functional, practical road environment that prioritizes direct movement between Kearney and Holdrege rather than high-intensity technical maneuvers.
Expect a mix of faster highway mileage and slower local approaches near the beginning or end.
There are about 9 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
N-44 is the longest continuous segment at about 10.9 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
This route mixes highway mileage with some local-road sections near the start or finish. Navigation is very simple — set it and forget it for most of the drive. The trickiest moment comes early in the drive near West 24th Street.
Route Complexity
1/10
Very easy - short and simple to drive
The drive from Kearney, NE to Holdrege, NE is easy. At 39m with 48% highway, most drivers will find it relaxed and low-stress.
Where does it get tricky?
The main spots that need attention: near the start (West 24th Street): Navigation decision point; at 15 miles (US 6; US 34; N-44 / Highway 6): Navigation decision point; at 30.4 miles (East Avenue): Navigation decision point.
Critical Maneuvers
3 of 3 key pointsThese are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
5
0 mi into trip
|
~0m in
|
West 24th Street
Turn right onto West 24th Street
Navigation decision point
4
15 mi into trip
|
~20m in
|
US 6; US 34; N-44 / Highway 6
Turn right onto US 6; US 34; N-44 / Highway 6
Navigation decision point
4
30.4 mi into trip
|
~39m in
|
East Avenue
Turn right onto East Avenue
Navigation decision point
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| N-44 | 10.9 mi | 12m |
| US Highway 6 & 34 | 9.6 mi | 11m |
| Highway 6 | 5.1 mi | 6m |
| 2nd Avenue | 4 mi | 6m |
| 4th Avenue | 0.7 mi | 1m |
| East Avenue | 0.2 mi | <1m |
| West 24th Street | 0.1 mi | <1m |
| Central Avenue | <0.1 mi | <1m |
Longest stretch:
N-44
— 10.9 mi, about 12m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Kearney, NE and Holdrege, NE.
1
Start on Central Avenue
51 ft
·
3 sec
·
Central Avenue
2
Turn right onto West 24th Street
0.1 mi
·
32 sec
·
West 24th Street
3
Turn left onto 2nd Avenue
4.0 mi
·
6 min
·
2nd Avenue
4
Continue on N-44; I 80 Alt
11 mi
·
12 min
·
N-44; I 80 Alt
5
Turn right onto US 6; US 34; N-44
5.1 mi
·
6 min
·
Highway 6
6
Continue on US 6; US 34
9.6 mi
·
11 min
·
US Highway 6 & 34
7
Continue on US 6; US 34
0.7 mi
·
1 min
·
4th Avenue
8
Turn right onto East Avenue
0.2 mi
·
16 sec
·
East Avenue
9
Arrive at destination
East Avenue
Trip Plan
Because this drive is only 30.6 miles, you don't need to worry about rigid pacing or planned rest stops; you can easily complete the entire trip in one go. Since the fuel cost is estimated at just $5, filling up before you leave Kearney will likely cover your entire round-trip needs. Keep in mind that as you navigate the transition from N-44 to Highway 6, traffic patterns may shift slightly, so stay alert for changing speed limits. Take advantage of the short duration by departing during off-peak hours to ensure a smooth, uninterrupted run. The biggest benefit of this route is its brevity, so feel free to keep your itinerary loose and enjoy the freedom of such a quick, low-stress transition between these two Nebraska hubs.
Morning Departure
Leave by 9 AM and you'll arrive before lunch.
Evening Departure
Even a 4 PM departure gets you there before dark in summer.
You can normally do this drive in one day.
You may only need one short stretch break if traffic stays light.
The halfway point lands around 15.3 miles from Kearney, NE, or about 20m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 10.9 miles.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
Departure
Before you leave
Start with fuel, water, and navigation already sorted so the first hour feels easy.
First stop
Around 30.6 miles or 39m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 15.3 miles or 20m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 33m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Holdrege, NE than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Kearney, NE so your first major turns are already loaded.
+
Leave with enough water and a charging cable within reach, not packed away.
+
Check your fuel range against the first long segment, especially if you are starting outside city service areas.
Day 1
Settle into the route from Kearney, NE
This is one driving day of about 30.6 miles and 39m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from Kearney, NE.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
You may only need one short stretch stop if conditions stay smooth.
The longest stretch is on N-44 for about 10.9 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 15.3 mi from Kearney, NE · 20m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
15 mi into the route
Best for: Lunch, fuel, and a longer reset
This sits close to the middle of the route, so it works well for the longest stop of the day.
Pacing Suggestions
Fuel and coffee
A short stop after about 30.6 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 15.3 miles from Kearney, NE, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Arriving in Holdrege, NE
The final approach into Holdrege, NE usually feels slower than the middle of the drive, so avoid planning your tightest schedule at the very end.
Try to arrive with enough fuel left to skip an immediate station stop unless you already know the area around Holdrege, NE.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$4.65 one way
$9.30 round trip
$3.86/gal
25.4 MPG avg
11 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.25 | $5.12 | $10.25 |
| premium | $4.80 | $5.78 | $11.55 |
| diesel | $5.64 | $6.80 | $13.60 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$5
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$30–$55
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 10.7 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-06.
Driving Electric?
About $3 in charging · 0 stops · 64% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 9.2 | 0 | $3.21 | $1.47 |
| Efficient EV | 7.7 | 0 | $2.68 | $1.22 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 12.2 | 0 | $4.28 | $1.96 |
Gas CO2
11 kg
EV CO2
4 kg (64% less)
This trip is well within single-charge range for most EVs. No charging stops needed if you start fully charged.
DC fast charging avg $0.35/kWh. Home charging avg $0.16/kWh. US grid CO2: 0.39 kg/kWh.
Travel Intel
Current conditions at both ends of the drive.
Destination
Holdrege, NE
Evening in Holdrege on Sunday
Local time
6:42 PM
CDT
Current temp
78°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Along the Route
78°F
Hastings, NE
15 mi in
Seasonal Notes
Summer travel usually means heavier construction, hotter rest stops, and busier weekend traffic around major cities.
Winter travel shortens daylight, so a route that looks manageable on paper can feel much longer after dark.
Holiday weekends tend to make both departure and arrival windows slower than the raw route time suggests.
Time zone
Same local time
Origin and destination are on the same clock, so arrival timing is easier to judge at a glance.
Temperature spread
1 degrees warmer at arrival
A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.
Road read
39m on the road
Use the two city cards together: check the sky where you start, then compare it with the local time and temperature at arrival.
Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.
Frequently Asked Questions
The drive from Kearney, NE to Holdrege, NE covers 30.6 miles and takes about 39m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are N-44, US Highway 6 & 34, Highway 6. Expect a mix of highway and local road driving.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 15.3 miles from Kearney, NE. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $4.65 one way. This estimate uses 25.4 MPG — your actual cost will vary with your vehicle's fuel efficiency and current gas prices.
Leave by 9 AM and you'll arrive before lunch. Even a 4 PM departure gets you there before dark in summer.
The drive from Kearney, NE to Holdrege, NE is easy. At 39m with 48% highway, most drivers will find it relaxed and low-stress.
The main spots that need attention: near the start (West 24th Street): Navigation decision point; at 15 miles (US 6; US 34; N-44 / Highway 6): Navigation decision point; at 30.4 miles (East Avenue): Navigation decision point.
The route from Kearney, NE to Holdrege, NE does not surface many named destination signs beyond the main corridor.
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